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EMERSON AND CISCO COLLABORATE TO OFFER OPEN-STANDARD WIRELESS SOLUTIONS FOR PROCESS INDUSTRIES IN EUROPE

Emerson Automation Solutions 30/11/2007

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Process automation and IT leaders work together to advance the use of wireless technology for manufacturing improvement

Emerson Process Management today, 29.11.2007, announced that it is collaborating with Cisco to offer open-standard solutions for wireless process and plant management applications that install easily and operate reliably in the challenging process manufacturing environment.

Emerson, a global leader in process automation, and Cisco, a global leader in IT networking for industrial and business management applications, are combining their expertise and technology to deliver a complete solution that improves productivity, safety, and operational efficiency for manufacturing customers.

Emersons wireless process applications use self-organising field networks for increased monitoring of plant data for control and asset optimisation; they also offer mobile operator and maintenance worker applications. Cisco wireless plant networks offer applications including those for worker mobility, voice over IP communications, tracking of personnel and assets, and video applications.

“Since we began the global introduction of Smart Wireless field networks a year ago, weve been excited at the high customer interest and their quickly realised business results,” said John Berra, president of Emerson Process Management. “We are pleased to be working with Cisco to extend our offering to include wireless plant network solutions with the security and reliability required in the process environment. The combined field and plant communications platform supports current and future applications that help enable faster and more effective business management over the life of the plant. Additionally, Ciscos commitment to open standards makes it an ideal partner for Emerson and our customers.”

“Networks and mobility are dramatically transforming our customers businesses and in-plant processes,” said Maciej Kranz, vice president of product marketing for Wireless Business Unit for Cisco. “By delivering a combined wireless architecture from Emerson and Cisco, we are enabling our manufacturing process customers to deploy flexible, scaleable and safe wireless solutions and mobility applications in rugged plant environments.”

Emerson will project-manage and deliver the wireless solution to customers by working with Cisco and taking advantage of their joint expertise. Emerson and Cisco have developed a services plan to design, specify, install and support wireless solutions for customers worldwide. These customised solutions will provide end users with a competitive edge through open-standards wireless technology and a complete network platform that ensures they can start with any application and easily expand as the technology evolves.

Many Emerson customers use Ciscos wired plant network applications today and will realise an advantage by extending their relationships to include wireless applications.

Emersons wireless platform will extend the Smart Wireless capabilities of PlantWeb digital plant architecture to include wireless plant networks. The networks use the Cisco Unified Wireless Architecture offering, including industrial-class wireless access points, controllers and network management software, and plant applications such as communication, tracking and worker mobility tools.

Emerson will use the Cisco Unified Wireless Architecture to provide ubiquitous, highly secure wireless LAN coverage and integration within the plants existing IT infrastructure; this integration eliminates the need for a complex wireless overlay network. Ciscos Wireless Control System will centralise the configuration and management of the plants Wi-Fi network, reducing overall cost of ownership. “We envision that the open-standard wireless infrastructure and applications jointly architected with Cisco will simplify the implementation of value-added wireless automation projects and reduce risk,” summarised Berra. “The age of wireless will be advanced as process and IT improvements are smoothly integrated, and the canyons of steel and limits of wiring are removed as obstacles to the imagination of customers.”

For more information contact Emerson Process Management, Stockport, Cheshire Tel: 0870 240 1978 (UK) +44 870 240 1978 (Intl)

Fax: 0870 240 4389 (UK) +44 870 240 4389 (Intl)

E-mail: uk-irelandsales@EmersonProcess.com Web: www.EmersonProcess.eu

Contact Details

Emerson Automation Solutions

0870 240 1978
uksales@emerson.com
Meridian East, Meridian Business Park, Leicester, Leicestershire LE19 1UX GB

About us

Leader in helping businesses automate their production, processing and distribution in the chemical, oil and gas, refining, pulp and paper, power, water and wastewater treatment, mining and metals, food and beverage, life sciences and other industries.

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Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America

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Automation, Chemicals, Consultants, Components Electronics, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, OEM, Paper and Pulp, Pharmaceutical Cosmetics Toiletries, Plastics and Rubber, Recycling, Textiles, Tobacco, Water and Wastewater